April 26, 2011 -
Knoxville Mayor Daniel Brown and Police Chief David Rausch named Investigator Patty Tipton the February Officer of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department.

Investigator Tipton has been with KPD since January 1996.

Chief Rausch said that on February 26, 2011, at approximately 10:53 a.m., Knoxville Police Department Officer Andrew Olson was shot by a suspect while attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Washington Pike. When the 'officer down' call came out over the radio, Investigator Tipton was only a few blocks away from the scene. Investigator Tipton responded to the scene along with numerous patrol and criminal investigation division personnel. Investigator Tipton, who was among the first 3 officers on the scene, immediately initiated first aid to Officer Olson.

Chief Rausch said, "Investigator Tipton found Officer Olson lying on his back on the sidewalk behind his patrol car. Officer Olson had suffered a gapping wound to his leg. Without hesitation or availability of protective gloves, Investigator Tipton placed her hand directly on Olson's wound in an attempt to slow down the loss of blood."

Investigator Tipton advised other officers she needed clothing to help with applying direct pressure to the wound. Investigator Tipton used an officer's pair of sweat pants to aid her in applying direct pressure on the wound.

Chief Rausch said, "Investigator Tipton stayed with Officer Olson and held pressure to the wound even after the first responder units and EMS had arrived on the scene."

"There is no doubt that if not for the team work of all the officers on the scene, their quick response, and the first aid given by Investigator Tipton, Officer Olson's chance for survival would have been diminished significantly," said Chief Rausch.

Mayor Brown said, "This incident clearly shows the dedication our officers have not only for our community, but to their brothers and sisters in blue. We congratulate Investigator Tipton on an outstanding job."